Note: Area settled in pre-Christian period; had Roman encampments 1st century; Germanic tribes invaded 3rd-6th century; ruled by Franks 9th century, Holy Roman Empire from 11th century; first confederation of cantons was established 13th century, others joined 14th-19th century; official languages are German, French and Italian, though Romansch (Rhaeto-Roman) is also a national language.